MODERATE TO HEAVY RAIN AND GUSTY WINDS THIS WEEKEND

A stronger weather system is expected to move into the panhandle Saturday into Sunday, bringing periods of moderate to heavy rain. The peak of heavier rainfall is forecast to occur overnight Saturday into Sunday, when rain rates could exceed 0.15 inches per hour.

Total rainfall accumulations for the event are expected to be between 1.5 and 3.0 inches, with the greatest amounts in the central panhandle. Upwards of 5 inches is possible for higher elevations. Due to the abbreviated period of the heaviest rainfall, smaller creeks and streams could rise quickly, but are not expected to flood.

In addition, this system will bring a period of gusty winds over land Saturday night. Wind gusts could reach 30-35 MPH at times, particularly for Prince of Wales Island, Annette Island, Metlaktla, Ketchikan, and Sitka. Lower gusts are possible further inland and into the central panhandle. close